With two Marsh Series clashes and one scratch match in the books, it’s time to take stock and look ahead to North Melbourne’s season opener against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on March 21.

While most of the fanfare from North fans about the appointment will surround ‘bringing a North person back’, I’m most enthused about the move for a simple reason: Rawlings’ track record.

10 years. 211 matches. Four finals series. Two preliminary finals. The Brad Scott era at North Melbourne has ended to a decidedly mixed reaction.

Should this list have been a top two or top four threat in 2019? We can all agree that’s wishful thinking. But I’d imagine most of us can also agree it should be eons better than 1-5, with a percentage of less than 70. 69.9 to be exact. Not nice.

Let me get the obvious out of the way first – I’m just as surprised as anyone that Paul Ahern wasn’t picked.

It’s that time of year again – plan the away trips, block out the days in the calendar – the 2019 fixture is here.

Out of all the moves North Melbourne has made during the Trade Period, Aaron Hall intrigues me the most.

What this post is all about is to outline where North Melbourne’s list is at as we prepare for Trade Eon from October 5.

A round-by-round prediction for North Melbourne's 2018 Brownlow Medal night.

Paul Ahern’s first eight AFL games have been remarkable considering the circumstances. Drafted in 2014 at pick seven, all of 2015 in the NEAFL, two knee reconstructions in 2016, all of 2017 dedicated to rehab, and then a VFL apprenticeship in 2018. It meant Ahern made his debut at 21 years of age during his … Continue reading Paul Ahern, delayed debuts, and North Melbourne’s list strategy →